Dog Fighting

My jack russell, bitch dog that was in the family 1st, is attacking our other bitch dog. She will not quit attacking the 2nd bitch dog. They have been together for 1-1/2 to 2 years and the alpha dog is just now starting this behavior. She is ONLY aggressive towards the 2nd female dog. (We have other bitch dogs,also) Whats up with this alpha dog? I do not want to get rid of either dog but, the 2nd female is taking a beating!! The alpha bitch wants to kill the 2nd bitch dog,...she bites & will not let go!  She has mamed this 2nd dog, i'm afraid. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

This is a difficult situation. Are they litter mates that have been together since they were born? First, consider your own safety. Never stick your hands in the middle or try to reach for one of the dogs - you may get bitten. If a fight breaks out, try a distraction such as whistle or a squirt bottle until the dogs stop fighting, then separate them. Try to determine if the cause was over food, a bone, a toy or something else and remove that item permanently. You may need to feed them in different rooms until you can be sure they can get along. Make sure they are gettinig plenty of exercise, it will help tire them out and relieve anxieties that could lead to aggression.

Your dogs are reaching sexual maturity and hormones are starting to play a role in behavior. If your intent is to neuter them, make the appointment asap. They are old enough and you really want to address this behavior at once if they are going to be able to live together with out conflict.

If you have not signed them up for obedience classes, that would be a help. It gives them a chance to socialize and for you to work with a trainer who can see the dogs first hand and help you resolve this aggressive behavior.